Molly's First Haircut

I hated to do it, but I took Molly for her first haircut today. Her hair was hanging in her eyes, so I knew it was time. She did pretty good. No tears. But she kept moving her head around to see what the guy was doing. He was pretty quick though and we made it through. I did my best to bribe her with some snacks while he was working.

The Chinese women in the salon we went to recognized Molly from a few weeks ago when we were in while Mark and Morgan got haircuts. They adore Molly. The women all try to make her laugh and to hold her. They can't get over her peirced ears and her tongue which she is constantly sticking out. They asked how old she was, and couldn't get over it that her birthday is on Feb 7th, Chinese New Year. One woman said, "there will be many fireworks for you." When we were getting ready to leave, no kidding, about 12 employees all came into the lobby to see Molly and say good bye.

Pictures:
1. Before picture with our driver, Mr. Yu
2. Having a little snack
3. Ta-da....so pretty!

This and That

Here are two pictures from the fabric market. There are three levels of nothing but vendors where you can buy fabric to take home, or have clothing custom made. You can take in a picture from a magazine or catalog, or bring an item you want copied. They can do it. If you can dream it, they can sew it. The first picture is of Mark inside of Jason's. Mark has had custom made suits made from cashmere/silk blend fabric for less than $100. They also make cashmere overcoats for about $150. The second picture is just another example of what you would find in the market. You can have your custom made item in as little as two days. But usually about a week.


I went to the grocery store yesterday to pick up a few things. While wandering through the aisles I saw a sample table. Not unusual. But at closer glance the table was filled with small cups of Bailey's Irish Creme. A few of those could make grocery shopping a lot more fun.

While the weather is still cold here in Shanghai (30 degrees), we have not seen any major snow since Monday. However, the weather on CNN reports another storm is on its way. The Chinese Gov't is urging people to stay put for the Chinese New Year holiday. The storm earlier this week has left millions stranded at train stations across the nation. For some, this is the one time of year they get to see their family, which is why so many are still flocking to the stations. Meanwhile, all of the expat wives keep grumgling..."my husband said it doesn't snow in Shanghai."

Speaking of CNN, I was watching the news channel last night before bed. The major headlines were the weather, the US presidential primaries, and Britney Spears. How this poor girl has managed to make the International News, I have no idea. And this is not the first time. Earlier this month it was the same thing. CNN was reporting from the Iowa Caucus and then breaking to show Britney being taken from her home. Just lock the girl up already. Surely there are more important things to be reporting.

Star Student and Mobile Molly

When I picked Morgan up from school on Monday she had a decorated star in her hand. I asked her about it, and she told me she was the "Star Student" of the week. I am very proud of her for this. It took several rounds of questioning to determine that the children earn stars throughout the week for different things like listening, answering questions, helping out. The student with the most stars at the end of the week is named "Star Student". Teacher Tom decorates the star and presents it to that child on Monday.

Gone are the days when I can set Molly down on the floor with a few toys while I brush my hair and teeth in the morning, or type in the blog. She is so quick and adventurous now. I've had to put plugs in all of the outlets, which Morgan never seemed to bother with. Molly can spot one a mile away and make a b-line for it in no time flat. And I would love to know what genius put the bright red panic buttons at floor level. A bright red button just begging to pushed by curious little fingers. Garbages are on tabletops, cabinets are locked shut, and curtains are rigged so that Molly can't pull them down.

While this newfound mobility is frustrating, I am really proud of her. In no time, she will be running after Morgan. I know she could walk if she would try. The other night she was standing between the couch and the coffee table, pivoting between the two. She was laughing so hard, so proud of herself. She has a favorite window that she loves looking out. And will stay there for several minutes. Not only is she mobile, she is learning and understanding Chinese. She understands several words and will point to what you are saying. She knows light, big sister (sounds like JJ), little sister (MayMay), MaMa, ball, balloon, book and hand. She can clap her hands or give high 5 if you ask in Chinese. Its amazing! She can even say big sister, or what sounds like JJ. Its so cute!

SNOW Day!!

No kidding! Today, Morgan is home for a snow day. My driver told me yesterday "no snow...17 years!" Go figure. But again, this is par for us. It seems like every time we move to a new state, they have extremely cold and snowy winters. Like when we first moved to Tennessee and they had 8 inches of snow one winter day.

Today our driver, Mr. Yu, brought us a Chinese New Year gift from his company. He brought two packages of dried mushrooms. Thank heaven there are English instructions on the package. Last week, he brought us a bottle of cooking oil, and mandarin oranges (fresh, not in a can). This is very typical of the Chinese. They give very practical gifts including foods and money. We will reciprocate with the traditional hongboa (red envelope) before the Chinese New Years Eve.

On Sunday we will go to a "traditional" New Years celebration. I found it listed in an expat publication promising "traditional fashion with Dragon and Lion dance accompanied by classic Chinese drums and music." There will be supervised use of sparklers and craft projects for the kids. There will also be a brunch featuring chinese and western foods. It should be fun. We are looking forward to learning more about this holiday which is so special to the chinese.

Our first and last trip to a Chinese McDonalds

We went to the mall today to do a little shopping. Morgan wanted to have lunch at McDonald's. We have not been to one here in China, and even though I tried really hard to persuade her otherwise, she insisted we have lunch at McD's. Ad this to out list of new experiences.

It was busy and rushed, but we pointed to the pictures on the menu to place our order. Their menu varies slightly here. Not all items are available and only some of the items are the same as what you would find in the US. Big Mac, chicken nuggets, french fries, etc. But they also had corn, fish sticks, and a variety of drinks listed as well.

Our food was slopped on our tray and we managed to find a table in the busy establishment. As we were eating, we noticed the Burger King (new to Shanghai) across the mall, virtually empty and a little less chaotic. Anyway, the food was cold and tasted weird. I think it was the oil they fried everything in. Just different than what you find in the states. And no Diet Cokes to wash it all down. Our pop choices were coke, sprite, or orange pop. We could have had tea or a milkshake. But not our ever beloved McDonald's Diet Coke. (I swear they put something in it to make it taste different and so good.) We high tailed it out of there and left the half eaten tray of food on the table. They actually have people working that clear the tables for you.

Later in the mall we were approached by a 30-ish Chinese woman telling me how beautiful my daughter was and asking how old. I thought this was another adoring Chinese onlooker. But it turns out she works for a modeling company here in Shanghai. She kept telling me how beautiful Morgan was. She wanted my telephone number which I would not give up. But I asked her for her card, which she gave me. I checked out the website, which looks legit, except that I cannot read it. It is all in Chinese. I may have Sophia translate it for me to see if it is anything we would be interested in.

Snow and Fireworks All in One Day!!

We woke up to snow this morning. Certainly not like anything we can compare to back home, but snow, none the less. The nice thing about Shanghai snow is that it doesn't stick. We have had big flakes coming down most of the day and no accumulation. We've been told several times, that this is a rare occasion.



We went to a friend's house for dinner tonight. They do not live in our compound, but another one just across the street. Morgan goes to school with their son, Bradley, which is where I met his Mom, Lori. They just arrived here from Delaware. Dave, the husband/dad, works for Bank of America. We had a really nice meal with them.



As we were finishing our dessert, we could hear and see a fireworks display not too far off in the distance. This really is very common. The Chinese like their fireworks and use any occasion as an excuse to light up the sky. Any day, is a good day for fireworks. When we got home, we realized that they had been lit right here in our compound. There is some sort of a function happening at the clubhouse tonight. This must be some celebration. They've set off a few more since we've been home, basically right outside our door. Morgan enjoys watching them through the widow. And, thank heaven, they haven't seemed to affect our sleeping Molly.

Video of Morgan's Gymnastic Lesson

Here is a short video of Morgan in her new red leotard, on the tall balance beam. She did great!! I was talking to one of the other mothers there, and she told me at the end of the 10 week session, they put on a little gymnastic meet. All of the children receive metals. I'll video that too, but you'll have to come to China to see it.